How an Afghan Refugee Earned a Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Study Cybersecurity Across France, Estonia, and Belgium

My name is Kamran Khan Arabzai, and I’m an Afghan refugee with a strong passion for education and technology. I am currently pursuing the CYBERUS Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) in Cybersecurity, with a focus on the Internet of Things (IoT). I completed my first year (M1) at Université Bretagne Sud (UBS) in France and recently attended a Winter School at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) in Estonia. I will continue my studies in Belgium at Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) in September 2025. My journey reflects resilience, determination, and a desire to make a positive impact through technology.

Educational Background

Before joining Erasmus Mundus, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Shaikh Zayed Islamic Centre, University of Peshawar, graduating as a gold medalist with a CGPA of 3.95/4. This was a significant milestone as I became the first Afghan refugee in my family to graduate from university. My final year project was an IoT-based wireless robotic car, which sparked my interest in innovation and technology. Along with my academic work, I was actively involved in leadership roles in organizations like Students For Liberty and the Afghan Debate Club, which prepared me for the multicultural experience of Erasmus Mundus.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

For the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD), you don’t apply directly to individual universities. Instead, you explore the Erasmus Mundus catalogue, find programs that match your goals, and apply directly to the program. I applied for the CYBERUS program, which focuses on cybersecurity with an IoT specialization. I researched the program thoroughly, looking at each partner university—Université Bretagne Sud (France), Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia), and Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium). This helped me understand the program’s structure and how each university contributed to it.

To strengthen my application, I tailored my motivation letter to highlight my technical background and personal experiences, showing how they aligned with the program. I also reached out to current students and alumni for advice, which helped me refine my approach.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

Over the past year, I applied to a wide range of scholarships across the globe, including prestigious programs like:

• Chevening Scholarship (UK)
• Allama Iqbal Scholarship (Pakistan-Hungary Program)
• DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
• UNHCR-supported scholarships
• Departmental merit-based scholarships at various EU universities
• Three Erasmus Mundus programs
• Campus France Scholarships

Despite receiving three international offers, including one fully funded and two fee waivers, I chose the CYBERUS Erasmus Mundus program for its strong academic structure, hands-on IoT cybersecurity focus, and the opportunity to study across multiple countries. I did not apply directly to individual universities, but instead explored the Erasmus Mundus catalogue to identify programs that matched my goals.

I believe my application stood out because of a combination of factors:

• A strong academic background in computer science
• Relevant technical and leadership experience
• A clear passion for cybersecurity
• My refugee background shows resilience and determination

Could You Briefly Discuss the Erasmus Mundus Program You Pursued and the Specific Field of Study It Focused On?

I’m currently pursuing the CYBERUS Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity, focusing on IoT Cybersecurity. The program offers a combination of academic learning and real-world experience, including a 5-month internship. It allows me to study in France, Estonia, and Belgium, providing a well-rounded education in cybersecurity while immersing me in different cultures.

How Did the Cost of Living Vary Across the Countries You Studied In? Which Country Was the Most Affordable or Expensive, and How Did You Manage Financially?

So far, I’ve studied in France (Lorient) and Estonia (Tallinn), and will continue in Belgium (Brussels) in September 2025. Here’s how the cost of living compares:

• France (Lorient): One of the most affordable cities I’ve lived in, with university-subsidized housing and student discounts making it manageable.
• Estonia (Tallinn): Also fairly affordable, especially compared to other European capitals. The student-friendly environment and lower cost of living made it easier to manage.
• Belgium (Brussels): I haven’t been there yet, but based on feedback from students, the cost of living is moderate—higher than Lorient, but not as high as cities like Paris or Luxembourg.

As a fee-waiver student, I don’t receive a monthly Erasmus stipend. I manage my living expenses through careful budgeting, occasional part-time work, and personal savings. This has helped me stay financially disciplined throughout my studies.

Did You Face Any Language Barriers, and if So, How Did You Overcome Them? Did the Language of Instruction Change From One Country to Another?

Yes, language was a challenge, especially outside the classroom. In France, while the program was in English, daily life often required some knowledge of French. In Estonia, it was much easier as English is widely spoken, especially among students.

To overcome the language barrier in France, I:

• Took beginner French lessons offered by the university
• Used translation apps to help with everyday conversations
• Made an effort to interact with locals and practice basic French phrases

I haven’t yet studied in Luxembourg or Belgium, but I’m preparing for the language challenges that may arise.

Would You Recommend the Erasmus Mundus Program to Others? What Advice Would You Give to Someone Considering This Scholarship?

Absolutely! The Erasmus Mundus program is a life-changing experience both academically and personally. It provides exposure to different cultures, a top-tier education, and access to a global network of professionals. My advice to anyone considering it:

• Start preparing early, especially for the motivation letter.
• Focus on your unique story, not just your grades.
• Reach out to alumni and current students for insights.
• Don’t be discouraged by the competition; your background and experiences can be your strength.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

To be honest, yes, I wish I had started learning French earlier. It would have helped me integrate better into the local community in France and made everyday tasks like finding a part-time job easier. As an IT professional with skills in graphic design, typing, interpretation, and video editing, I’ve struggled to find a part-time job here because of the language barrier. Being a refugee with a fee waiver adds an extra challenge, but I’ve faced tough situations before and am determined to push through. I believe that with hard work, perseverance, and faith in God, I can continue moving forward.

I also wish I had engaged more with research groups and professors outside the classroom. There are many opportunities to collaborate on projects, and I could have made the most of them earlier. Lastly, I would have focused more on expanding my network beyond the Erasmus circle to include local students, researchers, and tech communities, gaining valuable exposure and connections.